Paratracheal cyst rupture: a differential diagnosis for tracheal rupture

Abstract

Tracheobronchial rupture is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication commonly caused by neck and chest trauma. Iatrogenic tracheobronchial rupture can be caused by intubation, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy but also linked to pre-existing primary diseases. Paratracheal air cysts, infrequently described in literature, seem to be associated with obstructive lung disease and weaknesses in right posterior lateral wall of the trachea. We report a case of a paratracheal air cyst rupture in a previous healthy patient.